Man Accused Of Fleeing Police On ATV, Hitting Squads

MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) — A 34-year-old man is in custody after police say he fled officers on an ATV and struck at least four police vehicles.

Timothy David Merseth, of Mankato, is currently being held in the Blue Earth County jail. Police say an officer spotted him committing several traffic violations while riding an ATV, near the Monks Avenue and Stadium Road area.

The officer attempted to stop Merseth but he sped away. A police chase began, with Merseth speeding through several fields and residential yards before deliberately striking four police vehicles, according to authorities.

The pursuit ended when Merseth collided with a Blue Earth County Squad car. Merseth was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He’s currently being held in the Blue Earth County jail.

Police are investigating the incident. If anyone has sustained damage to their property as a result of the police chase, they are asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780.